Black Pond Wildlife Management Area is a 526-acre natural haven located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, in the Town of Ellisburg, Jefferson County. This unique area features a rare combination of barrier beaches, dunes, open water, emergent marsh, and wooded/shrub swamp, making it a significant habitat for wildlife and a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. The area is designated as a Bird Conservation Area and is part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Marshes BCA, providing critical breeding and over-wintering habitats for various bird species.
The landscape includes forested sand dunes, some of the highest in the northeast United States, and a scenic beach along Lake Ontario. Visitors can enjoy a 0.4-mile trail and boardwalk that leads through the wetlands to the beach, offering stunning views and opportunities for bird-watching.
The area's proximity to El Dorado Beach Preserve, owned by The Nature Conservancy, extends its natural beauty and biodiversity, attracting visitors interested in hiking and wildlife observation.